[Sarcoidosis and the liver]

Ann Med Interne (Paris). 2001 Mar;152(2):103-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

During systemic sarcoidosis, the liver is involved in about 66% of cases, usually clinically silent. The laboratory abnormalities include hypergammaglobulinemia and moderate increases in serum alkaline phosphatase activity; Imaging findings are extremely rare. As in the other organs, liver sarcoidosis is characterized histopathologically by epithelioid, typically noncaseating granulomas generally scattered widely, but many tend to be portal or periportal. In rare instances, liver sarcoidosis is complicated by portal hypertension or chronic cholestasis. Corticosteroids are the main treatment, indicated in case of symptomatic liver involvement and/or in case of extensive liver fibrosis. When portal hypertension is developed, specific treatment of esophageal varices is required.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Cholestasis / etiology
  • Disease Progression
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia / etiology
  • Hypertension, Portal / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Liver Diseases / complications
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Liver Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Liver Diseases / epidemiology
  • Liver Diseases / metabolism
  • Male
  • Sarcoidosis / complications
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoidosis / epidemiology
  • Sarcoidosis / metabolism
  • Sex Distribution
  • Steroids

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Steroids
  • Alkaline Phosphatase